ROMANS 8:28

Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

So you may be wondering how this ugly injury can work to benefit anyone. You see it all started when I allowed the deceiver [satan] to rattle me, and rather than combat the attack with the weapons within my reach (the Word of God), I decided to go for an evening run. Sounds innocent enough right? But any decision made in a state of disrepair, is a decision that will have a less than desirable conclusion.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Now understand that the Rev hates for me to run alone in the evenings so I really never do but this particular evening Rev wasn't home and I was so full of angst that I was compelled to go anyway. As I set out, I remember looking at all the leaves on the ground and thinking about how slippery they were probably going to be, due to the recent rain. In my mind I remember saying, "I hope I don't fall."

Well, about 15 minutes into my anxiety filled run, I hear a scream inside of my head and suddenly I am on the ground in intense pain. You see, hiding under all the beautiful winter leaves was a hard, huge pine-cone and guess whose foot found its way to it?

A twist to the left, a twist the right, and Destiny went down like DYN-O-MITE!

The first thought that went through my mind was about how upset the Rev was going to be. My second thought came by way of a deep conviction. You see, in this moment I knew that I gave satan this opportunity to cause me harm and he surely took it! Beloved, remember no good thing ever comes by way of an anxiety filled decision, even if it's as simple as an evening run.

Sitting there on the ground I was overcome not with pain, but with sorrow for not allowing the Holy Spirit to fight for me. Our battles are fought and won in the spiritual realm. Your weapons are not carnal (physical) but mighty if used:

"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

So I reach down and take off my shoe and sock, cup my naked ankle and ask the Lord to forgive me for choosing to walk [spiritually] alone. I got up and wept most of the way home, not because of pain but because as warriors, we are to fight the good fight of faith at all times and I knew that I fell short. My decision would now affect many people who rely on me.

The Lord did not bring this injury to me but in its occurrence I am reminded, and am now reminding you, that satan lurks around every corner just waiting for the opportunity to kill, steal and destroy. Arm yourselves with the full armor of the Lord this day and allow what happened to me to serve as a warning to you.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

HERE'S THE NUGGET: Tragedy comes most unexpectedly; small and large. Keep alert to everything about you. See that evil does not creep up behind you and overtake you. A strong man cannot be overcome if on guard. But a little rest and folding of the hands opens the door, and satan only needs a crack to break down the barriers that are put up.

"No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house." Mark 3:27

Until next time,
BEWARE AND KEEP ALERT!
Love Destiny
CYU Ministries